Thunder of Heaven
A tremble shook the stones beneath me and the cavern's walls on all sides of me. Large chunks of rock disconnected from the ceiling and came crashing to the floor. The fall echoed through the cavern and blacked out most of the light my main mode of exit. One more complication in a slew of abounding difficulties. I was trapped, hunted and slowly hope for life. Had I not made enemies none of this would be a problem. Unfortunately, as royalty bound to a warring country, there was no escaping the fact that people would abhor me, hunt me and kill me for their own desires.
Many years ago, before I obtained adulthood and a mind of my own, my mother would tell me, “Cassia, you are meant for more. The war will end. You will be free.” She was so wrong. My mother is dead. Our country is not free. I am as angry, frustrated and bitter as ever. And now, I am being pursued by the people who are threatening to overturn the nation of Yisrael. They have killed mother, two brothers and sister. Now they are coming for me. When they invaded the courtyard of the palace three hours ago, I was in the gardens with my father, heard the screams and saw my sisters’ throat being sliced in two. Father and his men gave me no choice but to escape on horseback while they went back to fight. Although Abba is a warrior, well-versed in the art of attack, he probably isn’t alive anymore. I have been thinking about that fact for what seems like an eternity.
What disturbs me most is that I think all these things with little emotion. I am numb, lost and exhausted. I am all the things a princess of the king should never be. But I am no hero, I am no savior. If anything, I need a savior. I need something to trust in. I believe in Elohim, the Lord of my people. I think there is someone out there so much bigger than me. But I doubt the care and love all the religious leaders tell me of. I’m not supposed to say that; my mother would never hear it. But I really do. How could Elohim, the Creator of goodness and light, subject His people to such darkness as murder, pain and war?
I doubt Him.
Boom. Snap. Lightening, thunder. The ground and walls shake again, this time with more power. Another chunk falls from the ceiling and almost lands on my leg. I drop and roll, the rock clips the right side of my thigh, leaving a gash. I want to scream but can't. If I am going to survive I will have to stay quiet. I will also have to move out of the caves. Unfortunately, relocating will most likely place me directly into the enemy’s line of sight. The sea was right below the cliffs. If I could make it there and run the perimeter into Galilee I would have more shelter. But could I make it?
Boom. Crack. Rumble. Dust, splinters and pieces of debris flew in all directions as a massive rock came crashing from the ten-foot ceiling and onto the stone floor. I needed to move. I edged my way to the opening where the first rock had crashed and peered out. A flock of soldiers stood at the perimeter of the water, scanning the cliffs for any sign of life. I quickly retreat back into the cave. If I walk into their line of sight I would be committing suicide. Unless... I swallowed hard and peered out again. No archers. Good. Well, better. My heart jumped as one of the enemy soldiers screamed at the top of his lungs in Greek. “Exerchomai! Come out!” My heart started to pound. I started sweating. They knew I was here. How did they know? Did they know which entrance I was in? If they wanted to, they would search until they harvested results. This army took no prisoners, ever.
Crack! Boom! Another rock clattered down from the ceiling. It wouldn’t be long before the entire structure was brought to nothing. I had seen it happen before, when my brother and I were exploring these caves. I picked up my robe, held my head high and stepped into the light. If I was going to die, at least I would die of my own volition. I would not be hunted down like an animal and killed for sport.
One of the men stabbed his finger in my direction. “There she is!” I stood frozen. I couldn’t run. There was no point in fighting. It was over. I was dead. Two of the men ran in my direction, grabbed my arms and yanked them behind my back. Their cord cut into my flesh as they zipped it tight.
“Where are you taking me?” The soldier cocked an eyebrow and looked me up and down but didn’t answer me.
“I demand to know where you are taking me!” His ringed finger slapped my face, slicing a cut into my cheek. I grit my teeth.
“I don’t care what you demand. No one does anymore. Let’s just say, it’s going to be a little surprise.” I clenched my jaw and stumbled along as they led me from my hiding place.
Boom. Crash. A peal of thunder boomed and flash of lightening ripped across the dusky sky. With a loud crash, the cave, my last piece of security, collapsed into pieces. An apt, timely metaphor of my life. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Everything that had once held me together had crumbled into jagged, cracked pieces. All I can do is catch tiny glimpses while being dragged away. I glanced at the strong arm of one of my captures. What were they going to do to me? Without a doubt, it would be worse this way than if they had killed me. And there was no way I was going to free myself. Given the lack of control I now held, was it possible that all the pieces be fused together again?
I can't help but doubt it.
Tigress
Beast are you sleeping?
I gaze upon your beauty, gently entwining my body with yours
Wrapping your limbs in mine
Feeling the softness of your fur
Hearing your soft, slow, rhythmic snores
In your throat the deep rumble of your purrs
Beast are you sleeping?
I gaze into your face as your ears and whiskers twitch
I try to imagine your dreamscape with the colors both vibrant and rich
Do you run through the tall grass wild and free?
Or do you leap high into the air off of a narrow precipice splashing down into a clear, blue lagoon that's fathoms deep?
Yes my beast-weary from the hunt, exhausted from the chasing, drained from the raging-sleep
And dream of whatever it is slumbering beasts dream
Until the time you are called upon again
Sleep your sweet, peaceful slumber
While I stare at you in awe
Eyes misty, oogling you with child like wonder
Yearning
Dazed and confused I kinda tripped and fell into an ocean of my feelings
Whenever you come near
My mind says go my wretched heart says stay
Dazed and confused so lost in my thoughts
Holding my breath; praying the pounding of my heart you cannot hear
My Lord! A one way ticket to hell have I bought
Don't you ever see the yearning in my eyes?
Want to rip this cursed devil heart from my chest
And lay it still beating and bloody at your feet
Turnabout Is Fair Play
She was bitterly cold as she lay on the wet leaves of the foreboding forest floor. The wicked grin of the pockmarked moon failed to shed any light on her plight. Why couldn’t she remember why she was here? Running her hands down her arms, she felt sticky liquid and touched her fingers to her lips to taste it. The salty, metallic taste of blood assailed her senses, bringing a wave of abject horror to the young woman.
“Help me, help me!” she moaned barely above a whisper through her cracked lips.
And then, she remembered that he said he was coming back. Desperately, she crawled to a softer patch of earth and frantically began to dig a hole with her hands until they bled. The driving rain made it almost impossible since the edges of the hole kept caving in. Reaching for some fallen branches, she laid them against the side of the widening hole to shore up the walls. She was just so tired and injured that she kept blacking out but finally was able to complete the next part of her plan. She threw jagged rocks into the pit before placing branches on top of the hole, and then scooped up wet leaves to make a covering over the cavity.
Crawling back behind the trap, she waited for him to return. Soon, she heard snapping twigs and heavy boots stomping toward her, knowing he was back. She saw the glint of a knife in his hand as he strode toward her. As he tramped angrily toward her, the roof of the trap caved in with his weight as he yelled in his surly voice, flailing arms attempting to break his fall.
Falling on the knife blade, he screamed in pain, “You bitch! Wait until I get out of here.” But of course, he couldn’t due to the severity of his injury as he thrashed in pain and died a slow death.
She smiled to herself in a sense of satisfaction as she dragged herself to the clearing where she finally remembered he had left her car. Pulling herself inside, she found the key on the floorboards, started the car and roared off. His death was no loss to the world. He was the worst husband she ever had!
If only he hadn’t discovered that she was spiking his iced tea with antifreeze!
Book Buzz will include Tanenbaum’s ‘list of essential books’—ones you shouldn’t miss
Clearwater, FL — Patzi Gil, host of the popular radio talk program “Joy on Paper” (www.radio-joyonpaper.com), has announced that nationally known author Robert K. Tanenbaum has been tapped to host a new show segment titled “Book Buzz.”
“Book Buzz will feature Tanenbaum’s ‘list of essential books’—ones that shouldn’t be missed—as well as tidbits from the world of publishing,” Gil said, adding that she’s “thrilled to have someone the caliber and stature” of Tanenbaum as part the show, which she describes as “a program for writers and those who dream of writing—and for everyone who wants to know the story behind the book.”
“Joy on Paper” airs Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. on the Tan Talk Radio Network — 1340 on the AM dial, 106.1 on FM. It’s also available online at http://www.tantalk1340.com. The new “Book Buzz” segment featuring Tanenbaum starts in January.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Tanenbaum attended the University of California at Berkeley on a basketball scholarship where he earned a B.A. He received his law degree from Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of 31 books—28 novels and three non-fiction books.
His most recent book, “Infamy,” the 28th installment of the New York Times best-selling Karp-Ciampi series, was released by Simon & Schuster, Gallery Books, in September. His non-fiction books include “Badge of the Assassin,” an account of his investigation into members of the Black Liberation Army who assassinated two NYPD police officers. The book was adapted into a film starring James Woods as Tanenbaum.
“I highly recommend Patzi Gil’s radio program, Joy on Paper,” Tanenbaum said. “Her interviews are incredibly worthwhile to listen to—and to think about—because they are not only entertaining and informative, but also provide unique insight into the values and motivation of our favorite authors.”
Tanenbaum is just one of many authors Patzi has interviewed. Other best-selling authors include Clive Cussler, Sue Grafton, David Baldacci, Jojo Moyes and Amor Towles. Among the Mystery Writers of America Grand Masters who have appeared on Joy on Paper are Mary Higgins Clark, Carolyn G. Hart, and Lawrence Block.
“It’s my joy to talk every week to amazing authors—from best-selling New York Times authors to authors who have just released their first book,” she says. “For me it’s always fun to hear about the passion to write and what it takes to become a published author. It’s fun to hear their stories, and I hope that their words will inspire new writers.”
A film screenwriter with a deep affection for books and an avid reader, Patzi doesn’t limit her guest list to big name authors from New York or Los Angeles. She is constantly looking to interview local authors and others in the Tampa Bay literary community.
For more information about Patzi Gil, visit http://www.Radio-JoyOnPaper.com. Her popular “Joy on Paper” radio show is broadcast twice weekly on WTAN, 1340-AM, 106.1-FM, and online at http://www.tantalk1340.com, on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. Archives are available as podcasts at http://www.radio-joyonpaper.com/archive.
